Leaders of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) hosted a Stop the Bleed® training program on Capitol Hill October 12 for members of Congress and their staffs. The congressional event focused on how early intervention from a Stop the Bleed-trained individual can save the life of someone suffering from a bleeding injury. Participants came to learn more about the ACS’ efforts with Stop the Bleed and engage in the hands-on training in how to control bleeding. The training was led by ACS Fellows, including Lenworth M. Jacobs, Jr., MD, MPH, FACS; Leonard J. Weireter, Jr., MD, FACS; Mark L. Gestring, MD, FACS; John H. Armstrong, MD, FACS; Joseph V. Sakran, MD, MPH, MPA, FACS; and Jack Sava, MD, FACS. Congressional guests included Reps. Ami Bera, MD (D-CA); Phil Roe, MD (R-TN); Raul Ruiz, MD (D-CA); and Brad Wenstrup, DPM (R-OH), who provided opening remarks.
U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) (left) learns how to apply pressure to stop bleeding from Dr. Jacobs (center), and Dr. Armstrong.
Members of Congress and their staff left the program with a better understanding of how to become life-saving immediate responders and the value of Stop the Bleed training. In addition to promoting Stop the Bleed training, the College also is advocating for widespread access to bleeding control education before federal and state lawmakers.
For more information about ACS trauma advocacy, contact Justin Rosen, Congressional Lobbyist, at jrosen@facs.org or 202-672-1528. For more information about the Stop the Bleed program, visit BleedingControl.org.